Soldier Meadows hot spring system facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Soldier Meadows hot spring system |
|
|---|---|
| Soldier Meadows Warm Pond Bathtub Spring Soldier Meadows Hot Creek Chukar Gulch |
|
.jpg) |
|
| Location | near Gerlach, Nevada |
| Coordinates | 41°22′48″N 119°10′53″W / 41.379883°N 119.1814°W |
| Elevation | 4,450 to 4,500 feet |
| Type | geothermal |
.jpg)
The Soldier Meadows hot spring system is a group of hot and warm springs located close to the town of Gerlach, Nevada. These natural springs are a special part of the landscape.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
People have used these springs for a very long time. The first people to live here were Indigenous people who lived in the Great Basin area for over 10,000 years.
A group of Northern Paiute people lived here. They were known as Aga'ipanadokado, which means "fish lake eaters." The name "Soldier Meadows" came about during the American Civil War. At that time, soldiers were stationed nearby.
Amazing Hot Springs to Explore
Soldier Meadows has several interesting hot spring areas. These include Soldier Meadows Warm Pond, Bathtub Spring, Soldier Meadows Hot Creek, and Chukar Gulch. Each one offers a unique experience.
Soldier Meadows Warm Pond
Soldier Meadows Warm Pond is a large warm spring. It is found right in the middle of a meadow. This pond has a big natural pool that is about two feet deep.
The warm, mineral-rich water bubbles up through the sand and gravel at the bottom. The water temperature usually ranges from 90 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. About half a mile away, there is another smaller warm pond. Its temperature is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This pond is located at an elevation of 4,500 feet.
Bathtub Spring
Bathtub Spring is located about three-quarters of a mile from the Soldier Meadows Guest Ranch.
Soldier Meadows Hot Creek
Along Soldier Meadows Hot Creek, people have built several rock dams. These dams create three simple soaking pools. These pools are on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The water in these pools does not have a smell. Its temperature ranges from 106 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. This area is at an elevation of 4,450 feet.
Chukar Gulch
In Chukar Gulch, several hot springs flow into a small ditch. This ditch leads to a soaking pool that is 20 feet wide and three feet deep. The bottom of the pool is sandy. The water temperature in this pool is 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Protecting This Special Place
Because many people visit these hot springs, the area has been named an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). This special title was given by the Bureau of Land Management.
Using things like sunscreen and other chemicals in the water can harm its quality. This also affects the living things that call the springs home. One important creature is the Soldier Meadows Springtail snail. This type of snail only lives in this specific habitat. Building rock walls around the soaking pools can also harm these unique snails. It is important to protect this special environment.
